Thursday, October 31, 2013

Fangtooth, Viper fish, and Goblin Shark-Holloween's-Creepies

These are our Special's last three creepies  These first two fish are highly aggressive deep sea predators. They are both iconic for their huge teeth that are so large that they are unable to fully close their mouths. The last but certainly not least creepy is a shark that still makes me cringe. 


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First up is the fangtooth. While it is the smaller of the two fish (reaching about 7 in.) it's teeth are the largest of any fish proportional to its body size. The fangtooth's teeth are so large it has two sockets near its brain where its two largest teeth (located on the bottom jaw) reside when its mouth is semi closed. Because the fish's face is very grumpy and rugged looking it has earned the nickname "ogrefish".

Scary fish





The viper fish is just as formidable as the fangtooth and while it may have smaller teeth proportionally it has a larger body reaching anywhere from 12-24 inches. The viper is also highly aggressive and not only charges at its prey but lures it in with an organ on the tip of its dorsal fin that gives off light (called a photophor). It has several more smaller photophor's along side the fish's body which may also attract prey or communicate with rivals and mates. 


Some lucky scientists


Alright time for the gross looking goblin shark. The goblin shark can reach around 13 feet long and has a mouth filled with nail like teeth.  It is has a very long and flat snout which is able to sense small electrical fields given off by nearby prey. It eats mostly bottom dwelling and mid ocean animals.  Because of its sluggish nature scientists believe it is an ambush predator. They believe it drifts motionless towards prey (undetectable) and when it is close enough it rapidly lunges with its jaws catching its prey in a flash. 

So gross but awesome

Alright that's it guys. Hope you enjoyed the special and hope you had a few goose pumps. I sure did. Next week is going to be to normal again but like any good movie there has to be a little treat after the credits. So show up at 10:00 pm and I might have one. 

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